This collection of valuable nineteenth century patent models, dating from 1842 to 1883, is the generous gift of Homer and Jean Blair.

Before the revision of the U. S. Patent law in 1870, inventors seeking a patent for a mechanical device were required to submit with their applications, a model as well as drawings and written descriptions. Models are now required only when the Patent Office feels that the applicant must prove the invention works.

Many models were destroyed in two disastrous fires in the Patent Office, in 1836 and again in 1877, but thousands have survived. At least two items in this collection were rescued from the ashes of the fire of 1877.